Vikings in running for JaMarcus Russell?

On the same day the Vikings jettisoned rookie R.J. Archer from their roster, the team was linked to a much higher-profile quarterback.

ESPN New York reports that, according to sources, the most likely landing spot for JaMarcus Russell is either Minnesota or Arizona. The Jets, according to the website, have checked on Russell, who was released by the Raiders after ballooning to 300 pounds.

NFL sources indicated the odds of Russell landing with the Vikings are not high.

The top pick in the 2007 draft and thus one of the top No. 1 busts of all time (to date), Russell has been training in Arizona in order to get his weight under control. There is a chance the Russell camp would like to get their client into a situation in Minnesota where he would stand to spend a season learning behind Brett Favre, assuming the veteran returns.

The Vikings quarterback depth chart currently contains Tarvaris Jackson, Joe Webb and Sage Rosenfels but it's uncertain what the future will hold for Rosenfels. He did not get any snaps on the final day of the Vikings minicamp and appears to have fallen behind Webb, a sixth-round pick this year who was originally going to be moved to wide receiver.

It's believed that if something is going to happen with Russell it might take a while to play out.

Matt Vensel is in his first year at the Star Tribune after covering the Ravens for the Baltimore Sun for six years. He is a Pittsburgh native and a Penn State grad. Follow him at @mattvensel.

Mark Craig has covered the NFL for 23 years, and the Vikings since 2003 for the Star Tribune. He is one of 44 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. Follow him at @markcraignfl.

Master Tesfatsion is the Star Tribune’s digital Vikings writer. He is a 2013 graduate of Arizona State and worked for mlb.com before arriving in Minneapolis. Follow him at @masterstrib.